Start here: Miles & More

What is Miles & More and where does HON Circle fit?

Miles & More is a frequent flyer programme with three listed status levels: Frequent Traveller, Senator and HON Circle. [5] HON Circle is presented as an exclusive club, and its travel benefits apply on Lufthansa Group airlines, co-issuing Miles & More airline partners and Star Alliance airlines. [5] Membership also includes Star Alliance Gold status, which extends status benefits to flights operated by Star Alliance airlines. [5]

Scope: this course covers Miles & More's HON Circle level in the programme's international English materials as of 18 October 2026. Unless a sentence names another status, the rules below describe HON Circle membership; other statuses, fares and redemption rules are outside this course.

What are the six steps in this starter course?

The course starts with the status ladder and ends with an award-flight checklist. Each step applies to HON Circle unless it names another level.

1. Understand the programme's status ladder. Miles & More lists Frequent Traveller, Senator and HON Circle, and this course follows the HON Circle level. [5]
2. Check how you join HON Circle. To become a HON Circle member, a traveller needs at least 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year. [5]
3. Track how earning works. Current progress appears under status in the Miles & More account, and the earning display shows how many HON Circle Points a flight will earn. [5]
4. Learn how status renewal works. Renewal uses the same target of at least 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year, and the status card is valid for at least one year. [5]
5. Understand how to use miles. For HON Circle members, miles do not expire while they remain status members, and the account can be temporarily overdrawn by up to 100,000 miles. [5]
6. Plan a first HON Circle award flight. A Companion Award Flight gives 50% off Award Flights for a companion added to the booking, and increased availability can cover up to three companions on listed airlines until 14 days before departure. [5]

How do you earn or renew HON Circle status?

HON Circle status is earned or renewed with at least 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year. [5] Progress can be viewed under status in the Miles & More account at any time. [5] When a member qualifies or renews, Miles & More issues four eVouchers to fly one class higher. [5] At certain HON Circle Point totals per calendar year, additional benefits are awarded automatically, including upgrade vouchers and a Frequent Traveller partner card with miles or mileage packages. [5] On request, a spouse or partner can receive Senator status for as long as the member remains a HON Circle member. [5]

How do you use miles on HON Circle award flights?

For HON Circle members, unlimited mileage validity means miles do not expire while they remain status members. [5] The account can also be temporarily overdrawn by up to 100,000 miles. [5] A Companion Award Flight gives 50% off Award Flights for a travel companion added to the booking. [5]

With Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City and SWISS, a HON Circle member and up to three companions can get increased award availability until 14 days before departure, even when no more Award Flight seats are shown, provided the required number of seats is for sale in the chosen cabin. [5] The three companions must travel with the member in the same class, and bookings can be made through HON Circle Service. [5] Fly Smart Award Flights can be booked within 14 days of departure, and the guaranteed award availability does not apply to them. [5]

These conditions apply to HON Circle members and the listed airlines; they are not a general rule for every Miles & More award.

What benefits do HON Circle members get?

Core travel benefits include First Class Lounge access at Lufthansa First Class Lounges, SWISS First Lounges, the Austrian HON Circle Lounge and the lounges at the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, plus First Class or Premium check-in and priority boarding. [5] Members also receive priority baggage and an increased free baggage allowance on many airlines. [5] HON Circle membership includes Star Alliance Gold status, and linking Miles & More and Marriott Bonvoy accounts gives Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. [5] Free advance seat reservation is available on flights operated by Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City and SWISS in all booking classes, subject to fare and product exclusions. [5]

What are the exceptions and limits?

• HON Circle's increased award availability is limited to the listed airlines, to seats for sale in the chosen cabin, and to bookings made before the 14-day point; Fly Smart Award Flights are excluded. [5]
• The three companions must travel in the same class as the member. [5]
• Free advance seat reservation excludes Economy Basic and Economy Light on short-haul flights, Economy Light, Premium Economy Light and Business Light on long-haul flights, and the Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Suite and Suite Plus. [5]
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status depends on linking the two accounts. [5]
• Unlimited mileage validity lasts only while the member remains a status member, and HON Circle renewal still requires 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year. [5]
• Personal HON Circle Service is available 24 hours in selected markets. [5]

Frequently asked questions

How many HON Circle Points do you need for Miles & More HON Circle status?

At least 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year, both to achieve and to renew HON Circle status. [5]

Do Miles & More miles expire for HON Circle members?

For HON Circle members, miles do not expire as long as the member remains a status member. [5]

Can HON Circle members book award flights for other people?

Yes. A Companion Award Flight gives 50% off Award Flights for a companion added to the booking, and increased availability can cover up to three companions travelling in the same class. [5]

Does HON Circle include Star Alliance Gold?

Yes. HON Circle membership includes Star Alliance Gold status, extending status benefits to flights operated by Star Alliance airlines. [5]

Is HON Circle status renewed automatically?

No. Achievement or renewal requires at least 6,000 HON Circle Points in a calendar year; the status card is valid for at least one year. [5]

Related pages

Programme: Miles & More programme overview. Courses: Start here: airline miles and Start here: status and lounges. Reference: Frequent Flyer Encyclopedia terms.

Sources

Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. This course covers Miles & More only; other airline, hotel and frequent flyer programmes are not covered.

1. HON Circle Member benefits, Miles & More, checked 18 October 2026